Whitsundays Travel Guide

15/05/2012 09:54

The Whitsundays has many natural attractions that are significant within Australia and globally, including the Great Barrier Reef, the second most visited attraction in Queensland, visited by over half a million international visitors each year.

The Whitsundays is a paradise of islands. Of the 74 islands, only 8 are inhabited leaving 66 virtually untouched islands which provide the perfect setting for a day of exploring or simply relaxing on the secluded beaches and coves.

The Whitsundays offers a unique combination of water, reef, island, coast and activities. These are the elements that distinguish the Whitsundays destination from other destinations both domestically and internationally.

This region caters for young couples, families with children and the 45-65 age range. Most island resorts have some form of Day Care and Kids Club, and South Molle, Hamilton and Long island have family units to promote their “Family-Friendly” atmosphere.

The Whitsundays region attracts over 600,000 visitors per annum with 67% being domestic visitors (426,000) and 33% being inbound visitors (209,754). Eleven per cent of international visitors to Queensland will visit the Whitsundays.

Of the resort islands, there is a choice ranging from world-class luxury and sophistication to budget hideaways. Resort islands in the Whitsunday region include Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream, Linderman, Brampton, Long, Hook and South Molle Island.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see something truly remarkable. Fly over the blue expanse in a seaplane or helicopter for a birds-eye view of Heart Reef. A naturally formed heart shaped reef can be seen and believed to be Mother-Natures way of saying “from the reef with love”.

Fast catamarans depart daily from the mainland and island resorts to the outer reef where you can snorkel, dive or view the natural beauty of spectacular coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible vessel.

Discover your private section of the reef aboard your own bareboat yacht or join a day tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

The Whitsunday region, famous for its tropical islands and smooth blue waters is yet another stepping stone to a myriad of Great Barrier Reef adventures.

In terms of restaurants, with the exception of Hamilton island, and the Hayman, the Resort islands each have one or two restaurants at most. The Whitsundays ‘Gateway’ has a wide range of dining choices through French, Swiss, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Italian & Japanese to good old Aussie Steak & Seafood.